What comes to your mind when you see that bright
yellow flesh after slicing a pineapple? Sweetness, I guess! With its signature
sweetness, you might be doubting whether taking pineapple is a healthy choice.
Well, there is more to this tropical fruit than its unique taste. Pineapples
are rich in health-promoting minerals and vitamins. Also, they are low in
sodium and fat. Below are pineapple nutrition facts as well as health benefits
that will definitely make you want to include pineapples in your healthy eating
plan.
According
to USDA, one cup (165 g) of pineapple slices contains:
82.5 Calories
22 grams
of Carbohydrates
16.3
grams of Sugars
2.3
grams of Fiber
0.9
grams of Protein
0.2
grams of Fats
180
milligrams of Potassium
78.9
milligrams of Vitamin C
21.4
milligrams of Calcium
19.8
milligram of Magnesium
1.7
milligrams of Sodium, and more.
Top Health Benefits of Pineapple
1. Promotes Healthy Bones
Pineapples
are rich in calcium and manganese which is crucial when it comes to maintaining
strong bones. The manganese in pineapples assists delay off osteoporosis (a
condition that weakens the bones and makes them fragile). Therefore, improving
the mineral density and overall health of the bones.
N/B:
High intake of manganese is dangerous as it increases the risk of cognitive
disorders. Don’t freak out yet! The recommended daily intake of manganese is
11 mg which is difficult to achieve since a cup of pineapple chunks contains
less than 2 mg.
2. Helps Fight Cancer Cells
First,
let’s agree. There is no proven way to prevent cancer. However, according to
experts, eating healthy foods and fruits rich in antioxidants can help fight
free radicals that reduce your risk of getting cancer. According to a study
published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, blood concentrations
with high antioxidants have lower cancer risk.
3. Can Help Boost Your Immunity
If
you are among those people who grab lime, orange, or lemon juice when you have
a cold, next time, reach for a pineapple. According to studies, eating 140-280
grams of pineapples daily can reduce your chances of contamination/ infection.
Or better still, lessen its duration.
4. Decrease Inflammation
Pineapples
are among the fruits that are rich in antioxidants that decrease body
inflammation. Therefore, eating pineapples regularly can minimize your chances
of contracting inflammatory diseases like autoimmune disorders, kidney, and
liver-related diseases among others.
5. Helps Repair Your Skin
Pineapples
contain a generous amount of Vitamin C which helps the body in making collagen.
In this case, collagen is crucial in your body because it promotes wound
healing. Therefore, eating pineapples regularly can help you acquire enough
vitamin C which in turn will help your body repair wounds and skin injuries
faster.
Conclusion
Pineapple
is top on the list of fruits that are a great source of vitamin C and nutrients
such as potassium, calcium, and manganese among others. It is also an excellent
source of antioxidants. Pineapple is healthy because its calories are from
carbohydrates. Also, it contains low fat. Some health
benefits associated with the fruit include fighting cancer cells, boosting
immunity, promoting healthy bones, repairing the skin, and decreasing
inflammation.
Very informative
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